NECESSITY,
FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS Chapter 189 sets forth many bicycle safety
standards that can be overridden by administrative regulations promulgated by
the Transportation Cabinet. The Bicycle and Bikeways Commission authorized by
KRS 174.125 has suggested that with the ever-growing use of bicycles in
Kentucky additional or different standards are necessary for the safety of the
traveling public. This administrative regulation sets forth the required
bicycle safety standards.

Section 1.
Front Lights. A bicycle operated on a highway during the hours or atmospheric
conditions described in KRS 189.030(1) shall be equipped with one (1) front
light which clearly reveals substantial objects at least fifty (50) feet ahead
and which is visible for 500 feet.

Section 2.
Rear Lights or Reflectors. A bicycle, when operated on a highway or highway
shoulder, shall display on either the bicycle or the bicyclist so that it is
visible from the rear of the bicycle:

(1) One (1)
red reflector or red light visible for at least 100 feet; and

(2) During the
hours or atmospheric conditions described in KRS 189.030(1), one (1) red light
or flashing red light visible for at least 500 feet.

Section 3.
Horn or Bell. (1) A bicycle may be equipped with a bell, horn or other device
capable of making an abrupt sound.

(2) Every
person operating a bicycle shall shout or sound the bell, horn or sound device
whenever necessary as a warning of the approach of the bicycle to pedestrians
or other bicycles, but shall not sound the horn or sound device unnecessarily.

(3) A bicycle
shall not be equipped with a siren or whistle.

Section 4.
Brakes. A bicycle shall not be operated on a highway or highway shoulder
without brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop the bicycle.

Section 5.
Seat. A bicyclist, when operating on a highway or highway shoulder, shall ride
on or astride a permanently attached bicycle seat.

Section 6.
Passengers. A bicycle, when being operated on a highway or highway shoulder,
shall not carry more than the number of persons for which the bicycle was
designed or is safely equipped.

Section 7.
Packages. A bicyclist, when operating on a highway or highway shoulder, shall
not carry a package, bundle, or article that prevents the operator from keeping
at least one (1) hand on the handle bars.

Section 8.
Prohibition Against Attaching to Vehicles. A bicyclist, when operating on a
highway or highway shoulder, shall not attach either the bicycle or himself to
any other vehicle.

Section 9.
Operation of Bicycles. A bicycle shall be operated in the same manner as a
motor vehicle except the following traffic conditions shall apply:

(1) A bicycle
may be operated on the shoulder of a highway;

(2) If a
highway lane is marked for the exclusive use of bicycles, the operator of a
bicycle shall use the lane whenever feasible;

(3) Not more
than two (2) bicycles shall be operated abreast in a single highway lane. (20
Ky.R. 1508; Am. 2037; eff. 2-10-94.)